WINTER PREPARATION PART 2

 Course Shutdown Programs

Here we begin the deep tine work on all greens this season.  It has been 3 years since we deep tined all the greens so it was time to go back to this process to assist with root deepening and moisture and nutrient penetration.  Here we apply the process to #10 green

 After a full, heavy topdressing of the greens to fill the holes in completely we install protective elk fencing around all the greens.  Here #7 green recieves the treatment.

In addition to cultural programs we continue with our drainage improvement program in the fall.  Here we are using the drainage camera to scope #5 green through an access port at the front of the green.  We found a full collapse at this point and also added a vent a the back left of the green in the collar.

WILDLIFE

End of Season Elk Damage

Almost as if leaving us a big send off for the winter the elk decided to tear apart #4 fairway the second day we were officially closed for the season.  This required 6 manhours to tidy up once the frozen turf thawed enough to manipulate the remaining pieces of the Elk "jigsaw puzzle".

WEATHER

Late Season Snowfall

Late in the season if we get a snowfall the snow can take several days to melt away due to the sun angles and ambient temperatures.  Here #6 green is shown with the shorter cut turf having melted clear and the rough still holding the snow.  This is due to the fact the ground temperatures were still warm enough to melt the snow in short turf while the longer turf insulates the snow from the warmer temps.